Apple's Podcasts app appears to be malfunctioning for many users, crashing directly after being launched on both devices running iOS 7.1.1 and devices running iOS 8 beta 2. Multiple reports of the crashes have surfaced on Twitter, and MacRumors' own testing also revealed the same crashing-after-launch issue.

While the app will temporarily open after being tapped, it closes automatically just seconds later. The Podcasts app was last updated to version 2.1.2 with minor bug fixes on May 29, so it is unclear what is causing the app to crash.

Podcasts is one of Apple's most poorly rated apps and has been widely criticized for performance issues, with users complaining about syncing problems, podcasts being deleted, and more. Apple attempted to resolve some of these issues with Podcastsversion 2.1, which introduced improved episode browsing, Siri integration, and syncing fixes, but the app continues to have a two star rating in the App Store.

As of iOS 8 beta 2, Podcasts is a default iOS app that comes pre-installed on iOS devices, meaning it can no longer be deleted. This change is expected to make its way into the public release of iOS 8, coming later this year.

The crashing issue appears to have begun this morning and it is unknown when a fix might be available.

Update 2:30 PM PT: Some users have had success turning on Airplane Mode and then opening the Podcasts app. This prevents it from crashing, and the app appears to stay open for some users after Airplane Mode is turned off, allowing it to function normally.

Update 10:00 PM PT: Users are now reporting that the Podcasts app is functioning normally once again.

Update 7/1 11:00 AM PT: The Podcasts app appears to be experiencing crashing issues once more, but the Airplane Mode fix continues to work for some users.

Glad to see you guys finally talking about the suckiness of the Podcasts app. I got so frustrated with it that I actually emailed Tim Cook about it. I ended up getting a reply from the iTunes product manager. I emailed with him a few times over about 6 months telling him what was wrong with the app and how it seemed like it was made by people that don't actually use podcasts. The latest changes they made seemed to address most of my issues, but stability has always been a huge problem with this app.

I was so excited after Forstall got the boot because it looked like Apple was finally focusing on improving their quality again. I noticed marked improvements in software quality, even on the podcast app. However recently it looks like they have gone back to their old buggy ways. 10.9.3 freezes on me, podcast is crashing etc. Apple needs to realize that if users want a buggy frustrating experience they can get that with Android or Windows for much less than the cost of the equivalent apple product. I'm willing to pay more to have a frustration free experience, but if you are going to produce crap software AND charge me more, then I feel like you are just ripping me off